I wanted to do a little something on here for International Women’s Day and so I thought I’d take the time to say ‘thanks’ to eight incredible women. Women that have raised me, women that have supported me through thick and thin, women that I have travelled with, lived with, laughed with, the list is endless and yet I don’t think I say thank you enough.

So here goes;

Nicole (aka Colbie Cheese)

It’s crazy to think that we’ve known each other for six years now! Look at some of the awesome places we’ve been to and the crazy things we’ve done; saw winter at Hogwarts in London, traveled to Greece and caught some rays (whilst also crying because out chaffing was so bad!), going on drives in the highlands and traveling 18 miles to find a point to turn the car around whilst singing the lyrics to the Legally Blonde Musical at the top of our lungs, attempting to climb the giant letters of the IAMSTERDAM sign, setting up a bar in our living room, surviving Vienna’s freezing winter temperatures, graduating together, the list is endless. I am so proud of all that you have achieved in the last six years, but particularly in the last few months. Thanks for all the laughs, adventures and memories. Love Tubs xx

Hayley

I still laugh at the fact that the first thing you ever said to me was “Oh my God, I love your pants!” It was clearly the start of something beautiful. Canada was such an odd time. For most of it I was incredibly home sick and had more anxiety than I’ve ever had before, but (be warned this is beyond cheesy) I am so glad I did it because in doing so I met the sister I never had. You’re so like me in many ways; essentially that we’re both old ladies with a fond love for tea and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Yet we’re both so different and it’s been great to have that support system for when I have needed it and I hope I could be that for you too. Distance does not define us, but very soon we won’t even have to worry about that either. You are about to set off on the most terrifying, yet exciting journey. Just keep being you and people will love you. You’ve got this friend! Thanks for the late night Skype dates, the incredible travel memories and the laughs. Love Lydz xx

Sophie

Soph, you have brought so many laughs and have been such a great support system for both Angus and I. You might not remember this, but around the time I was applying to university I was talking to you about what I wanted to do. From a young age, I had looked at all the graduation photos on Grandma’s wall and couldn’t wait for the day mine would end up there. Even though that was not meant to be, I still wanted to make people proud but was not sure if leaving to study drama would do that. I said to you something along the lines of “but I’m just going to study drama. It’s nothing compared to you guys who studied medicine or law”. You turned to me and said, “do not ever say that. What you choose to study is just as worthwhile and important because it is what you want to do and Grandma would have been just as proud to hang your picture on her wall.” This has stayed with me even to this day and I thank you so so much for it. What can I say? You’re pretty damn awesome. Thanks for all your support. Love Lydlet xx

Naomi

Nomes, my birthday buddy for life! You really are an inspiration and I don’t think people tell you that enough. Your journey in the last few years as been the most topsy turvey rollercoaster, but I hope that at the moment you finally feel like you are back in control of things. You have helped and supported me a lot with understanding my anxiety and I hope on some occasions I have been able to do the same for you. You have raised a beautiful daughter who is clever, affectionate, hilarious and will grow up to be an incredibly awesome woman! I know she looks up to you and values you completely and that is due to how much time and effort you have put into her upbringing so far. Keep doing what you’re doing lady! Thanks for your kindness, love and advice. Love Biddy xx

Becky

Becks, I see you nowhere near enough but I know you are traveling the world doing some amazing things and doing incredible work with the RAF. You provide aid and support to many, many people, but you provide so much to your own family too. I know that if I message you for anything, but especially medical advice, you’re on it immediately! You’re such great fun and any conversation with you ends up in laughter. I definitely do not say it enough, but I really miss you! Let’s meet up soon. Thanks for your good humor and support. Love Squidz xx (P.s. we might need to work on a new nickname).

Grandma

This is the hardest one to write. Grandma, you were a force of nature, literally; you survived being struck by lightning for goodness sake! You were so full of love for your family; you loved your grandchildren like they were your own children. You worked hard, really hard, and made the most incredible trifles (even if you did put a bit of rum in some of them!) You stood up for those around you and weren’t afraid to say what you thought. You hugged us tight and fed us till we were more than full. I know you are watching us somewhere; at weddings, at my Graduation. I felt it. Thanks for your love, your great food and all that you taught every one of us. Love and miss you always, Lydia Rose xx

Nan

Nan, you’re presence has been felt my whole life, even when you were not close by. We have danced in your living room together, played in the garden together, read stories together. Playing dress up you allowed me to be a bride, a pop star, a cowgirl; literally anything I wanted to be and you have continued to be as supportive when it came to deciding what I wanted to be in life. We have such great laughs together and I know Mum and I get our silliness from you. You are more than a Grandmother to me; you are a valuable support system, a shoulder to cry on, a best friend and one of the best people I have ever known. How you still do so much, look so good and still don’t look a day over 70 is beyond me! I want to be you when I’m in my 80’s!! You have been through and survived so much and I am in awe of you and how much you’ve achieved. Thank you for the fun, the adventures, your love and your kind heart. Love Lydia xx

Mum

Mama Bear, where do I start? Firstly that I would not be here today if it were not for you. Literally I know, but also on a much greater scale too. Every decision I have ever made, you have helped me with and supported me through in various ways, whether it be which university to go to, what to do when my anxiety is at it’s peak, whether or not send off an essay or what colour to dye my hair. You have been there with me through it all and I cannot thank you enough for all the love and support. You really are my best friend and I do not know what I would do without you. I could write never-ending paragraphs about how much I adore you. You’re laugh, our silly dances, the crazy charades you made up to help me remember my cloud formations or french weather vocabulary during my high school exams, teaching me to drive, the way you always know just what to say in the moment. All these things make you my favourite woman on earth and even though I don’t say it always, I’m so grateful that I was lucky enough to have you for my Mama. Thanks everything, I mean it. Love Baby Bear xx

Each of these women hold a very special place in my heart and a short paragraph will never do it justice, but to each of them and the many, many other women and girls who have somehow been a part of this crazy journey I call life, all I can say is from the bottom of my heart, thank you.